Pre-K Registration Opens at John C. French Elementary
Cuero Online News | June 14, 2026
Cuero, Tx-John C. French Elementary has officially opened registration for its Pre-K program, welcoming families to begin the enrollment process for the 2026–2027 school year. Children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible to apply.
School officials encourage all families to submit applications, even if their child does not traditionally qualify for Pre-K, noting that additional students may be accepted as space allows.
Families can start by picking up a registration packet, then scheduling an appointment through bit.ly/pkregister, and finally submitting paperwork to complete the registration process.
📅 Summer Office Hours from May 25 to June 18, the school office will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM and closed on Fridays.
Parents can scan the QR code featured on the official flyer or visit the registration link directly to secure an appointment.
This initiative marks an exciting step for the community as John C. French Elementary continues to expand early learning opportunities for local families, ensuring every child has access to a strong educational foundation.
South Texas Pecans: A Century on the Land, A Legacy Still Growing
Cuero Online News | June 13, 2026
Yoakum, Tx-There are places in Texas where time seems to settle into the soil—where history isn’t something you read about, but something you can feel under your boots. South Texas Pecans, perched on a quiet rise outside Yoakum, is one of those places. For more than a century, this family farm has carried forward a tradition of stewardship, innovation, and deep‑rooted pride in the land that has sustained generations.
The story begins in 1918, when the Vahalik family purchased the original acreage. A year later, Ed Vahalik Sr. planted the first pecan tree—a simple act that would shape the identity of the farm for decades to come. In 1971, the next chapter unfolded as Harvey G. Hoermann established the creek‑bottom orchard, laying out rows of pecan trees that still stretch across the landscape today.
Agriculture runs strong in the Hoermann bloodline. Harvey’s son, Steve, followed his calling to Texas A&M University, earning a degree in horticulture before returning home to cultivate tomatoes, peaches, and an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables. For more than 30 years, he nurtured the land with a blend of science, intuition, and respect for the rhythms of nature.
Today, the orchard thrives under the care of Steve’s son, Jason Hoermann, who manages everything from irrigation to harvest. His hands‑on approach ensures that every pecan, peach, and blackberry meets the high standards customers have come to expect. His wife, Sharon, brings the harvest to the people—selling online, by phone, and at market days across Texas. Together, they’ve transformed the family legacy into a modern, community‑focused agricultural business.
Across DeWitt and Lavaca counties, the family now tends over 100 acres of irrigated pecan trees, representing varieties such as Caddo, Cheyenne, Choctaw, Desirable, Prilop, Sioux, and others. And the orchard continues to evolve. In recent years, the Hoermanns expanded into peaches, blackberries, white seedless table grapes, and seasonal vegetables. Their “pick‑your‑own” orchard invites visitors to slow down, savor the moment, and experience the joy of harvesting straight from the field.
What You’ll Find at South Texas Pecans
Fresh, Pre‑Picked Produce
Yellow squash
Calabaza squash
Yellow onions
Tomatoes
Salad cucumbers
Green beans
Green bell peppers
Okra
Sweet banana peppers
Pecan Specialties & Handmade Goods
Pecans
Candied pecans
Jarred items
Candles
Soap, lotion & dish soap made with pecan oil
U‑Pick Experiences
Peaches (freestone varieties currently ripe)
Blackberries
Green beans
Tomatoes
Okra
Flowers: zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers
Special Highlight
A $1‑per‑pound tomato sale and freestone peaches ready for picking—perfect for families, home canners, and anyone who loves the taste of summer.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own containers, and wagons are always welcome.
Where to Find Them
South Texas Pecans
1795 County Road 329
Yoakum, TX 77995
Look for the tan building on the hill with the double‑gate entrance.
Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/C3JdP64MsRhZsFiV8
Cash and card accepted.
South Texas Pecans is more than an orchard—it’s a living archive of family history, agricultural passion, and the enduring spirit of rural Texas. With every pecan harvested and every peach picked, the Hoermann family continues a legacy more than a century in the making. And for visitors, it’s a chance to step into that story, even if just for an afternoon.
DeWitt Medical Foundation Donates $25,000 to Support Free Cardiac Screenings for Local Students
By Pat Trevino | June 12, 2026
Cuero, Texas — The DeWitt Medical Foundation has awarded a generous $25,000 donation to support free cardiac screenings for students across DeWitt County, strengthening a growing effort to bring life‑saving preventive care directly into local schools.
The contribution allows Cuero Regional Hospital to expand its student heart‑screening program, offering on‑site evaluations that can detect potential cardiac issues early — often before symptoms appear. For families, especially in rural communities where specialty care can be hours away, this program provides both access and peace of mind.
Hospital officials say the Foundation’s investment will help ensure more students receive screenings that can identify conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and other silent but serious heart abnormalities.
“This is rural healthcare in action,” said hospital representatives. “When community partners step up, we’re able to bring essential services directly to the students who need them.”
The screenings, conducted by trained medical staff using portable diagnostic equipment, will be offered at participating area schools throughout the year. By removing barriers such as travel, cost, and scheduling challenges, the program aims to reach students who might otherwise go without preventive cardiac care.
The DeWitt Medical Foundation’s donation reflects its long‑standing commitment to improving local healthcare access and supporting initiatives that directly benefit families in DeWitt County.
As the program expands, Cuero Regional Hospital encourages parents to take advantage of these free screenings and stay informed about upcoming dates at their child’s campus.
This partnership — between a community‑driven foundation and a rural hospital — highlights what is possible when local organizations work together to protect the health and future of area youth.
HUGH MASON MURPHREE – AUGUST 16, 1981 TO JUNE 9, 2026 (44)
Hugh Mason Murphree, age 44, of Thomaston, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026. Born on August 16, 1981, in Victoria, Texas, Hugh was the son of Robert Mace and Deanna (Dee) Murphree. Hugh had a fulfilling career in Information Technology as a Network Administrator II for Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance.
In 2008, Hugh met the love of his life, Charlene Annette Brumbelow Davis. Together they built a beautiful, blended family.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his loving wife of 13 years, Charlene; his child, Braydon Murphree; and his stepchildren, Seth Stephen Davis and Amy Rose Davis. He was a devoted father and a quiet, tender soul. He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Dee; his sisters, Amanda (Ken) Murphree and Patricia Murphree; brothers, Mike (Melanie) Murphree, Randall (Brenda) Murphree, Dave (Andrea) Murphree, and Braydon “Dewey” (Heather) and numerous nieces and nephews, who all brought joy and laughter to his life.
Hugh will always be remembered for his calm demeanor, generous spirit, great sense of humor, and having a song for everything. He left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, especially his nephew Evan Brumbelow, who will always remember Hugh as “Uncle”.
A celebration of Hugh’s life will be held on June 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Authentic Church, located at 610 E. Crestwood, Victoria, Texas 77901.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department, an organization Hugh held close to his heart.
HEATHER ROSE MADDEN – APRIL 30, 1983 TO JUNE 7, 2026 (43)
MATHIS: Heather passed away at home surrounded by her loving family and friends after the most courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, June 7th, 2026.
Heather Rose Madden was born in Wharton, TX on April 30, 1983, to Gary Bartlett and Pam Fitch Babineaux.
Heather grew up in Victoria, Tx and spent her school years in Victoria and Goliad schools and graduated from Victoria High School. Heather had a great love for music, she played the oboe in band from junior high until her high school graduation and proudly participated in band concerts and marching competitions with her fellow band members.
After her children were born, she and her family moved to the Mathis area. She loved dancing, going to the beach, watching family race cars, rodeo, show pigs, modeling, shopping but mostly time spent with her family.
She is survived by her parents Allen and Pam Babineaux of Meyersville. Her husband, Larry Madden, and her children Allen Cook, Madison Cook, and Paislie Kilpatrick, LeAnn Madden, of Yoakum and Hailey Smith; grandsons Knoxston and Huttson and Grandmother Emily Babineaux of San Antonio. She is also survived by Dale and Angie Spence, who loved her like she was their own, and nephew Jaxon Winstead, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her father Gray Bartlett, grandparents William and Rose Fitch, Ovey Babineaux, and Jimmy and Marie Bartlett.
VBS 2026: A Week of Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Awaits
By Pat Trevino | June 12 2026
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is gearing up for another joyful summer as preparations begin for Vacation Bible School 2026, a beloved annual tradition that brings children and families together for faith‑filled learning and community fun.
This year’s VBS will take place June 22–25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., welcoming children from PK4 through 5th grade. The program offers a lively blend of Bible stories, music, crafts, games, and hands‑on activities designed to help young participants grow in their faith while building friendships and memories that last long after summer ends.
Pre‑registration is required, and families are encouraged to complete the registration form linked by the parish. Forms may be submitted in several convenient ways:
- Dropped in the Sunday collection basket
- Delivered to the church office
- Emailed directly to stmchurch@catholiccuero.org
In addition to welcoming young participants, St. Michael’s is also seeking adult and high school volunteers to help bring the week to life. Volunteers play a vital role in guiding small groups, assisting with activities, and creating a warm, supportive environment for all children. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact the church office for more information.
With excitement already building, the parish looks forward to opening its doors to families across the community. “We can’t wait to see you there” captures the spirit of anticipation as St. Michael’s prepares for another meaningful and joy‑filled VBS experience.
VBS 2026 promises to be a week of learning, laughter, and faith—an opportunity for children to grow spiritually while being surrounded by a caring church family.
click here to register
PAMELA ANN WHITTEN ST CLAIR – JANUARY25, 1950 TO JUNE 5, 2026 (76)
CUERO: Pamela Ann Whitten St. Clair passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. She was born on January 25, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Ezra Chester Wood Whitten and Juanita Fay (Ruston) Whitten.
She grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She attended beauty school while in high school and graduated not only high school but beauty school as well. She was a licensed cosmetologist in Oklahoma in 1968. She met her future husband, Ira “Bud” St. Clair at the age of 14. They dated long distance until she turned 18. They then married on December 31, 1968. They were married for 57 years. Later in life, Pamela worked as a secretary for J & B Trucking in Cuero and also in the leather industry. She obtained her cosmetology license in Texas in 1983. She worked as a beautician for Hair Designs for 12 years, until she went to work for Sisters Shear Shop, which she ended up owning until retirement. She was known as “Mom” to many, and her door was always open. She had a huge heart, no one went hungry, without clean clothes and a place to sleep. She was known as the “life of the party” and Easter and Christmas were always a very big deal to her. She had God in her heart and there was no doubt about her faith.
Survived by her loving husband, Ira; her children, Deanna Lantz and husband Clifford; John St. Clair and wife Lisa; grandchildren Kortney Wise (Dalton), ShyAnne Davis (Wesslie), Noah Lantz, Hayden St, Clair, Alyssa St. Clair; great grandchildren, Cason Davis and Peyton Davis; Godchildren Shellie Lucas, Rhawnie Ware and Chris Ware; daughter of the heart, Elizabeth Holly; grandchildren of the heart, Dillon and Kathleen Parr; sister, Judy Escoe (Dwight); brother, Timothy Whitten; numerous brother and sisters in-law; nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation 9 a.m., followed by Funeral Service at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, with Ministers Brian St. Clair and Tony Gonzales (Victoria Family Church in Cuero) officiating. Burial to follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Cheapside, TX.
Pallbearers: Lucas Hanson, Hayden St. Clair, Jimmy Hammack, Charlie Baros, Jimmy Baros, Jack Tondre.
Honorary Pallbearers: Wesslie Davis, Dalton Wise, Noah Lantz and Cason Davis.
Memorials may be given to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warriors or the American Heart Association.
What to Know About the New World Screwworm and the Latest Confirmed Cases
By Pat Trevino | June 12, 2026
Cuero, Texas — As questions circulate among DeWitt County residents, state and federal officials continue monitoring the New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly larva capable of causing severe wounds in livestock, wildlife, pets, and—rarely—humans.
The screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in open wounds. Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae consume living flesh, making infestations dangerous and potentially fatal if untreated. The United States eradicated the pest decades ago through a sterile‑fly release program that remains active along the Panama–Colombia border.
Recent Confirmed Cases
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the most recent U.S. detections occurred in early June in Zavala County, La Salle County, and Andrews County, Texas, along with a confirmed case in Lea County, New Mexico. These cases involve cattle and dogs, and investigations are ongoing in affected areas.
Residents can view the official, continuously updated case dashboard here:
🔗 USDA Screwworm Current Status Dashboard
https://direct.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status
Mexico has also reported multiple cases in northern states, prompting expanded sterile‑fly releases and increased surveillance on both sides of the border.
Is the Food Supply at Risk?
Federal agencies emphasize that screwworm does not contaminate meat, milk, or processed food products. The parasite affects live animals, not packaged or prepared food.
The primary concern is economic—loss of livestock, treatment costs, and increased monitoring—not food safety.
Local Concerns in DeWitt County
Cuero Online News has received several messages from residents asking whether screwworm has reached DeWitt County. As of today, there are no confirmed cases in this county, and no alerts have been issued by the Texas Animal Health Commission or USDA.
For official Texas updates:
🔗 Texas Animal Health Commission – Screwworm Information
https://www.tahc.texas.gov
What Residents Should Watch For
Officials urge the public to report any suspicious wounds or maggot activity in animals to:
- Local veterinarians
- Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
https://www.tahc.texas.gov - USDA APHIS – Report Suspected Cases
https://www.aphis.usda.gov
Early reporting is critical to preventing spread.
Cuero Online News Will Continue Monitoring
Cuero Online News will continue tracking official updates and will inform residents if any confirmed information affects DeWitt County.
Advertise in the 2024 Cuero Online News Archive Book — A Keepsake Edition for Our Community
The 2024 Cuero Online News Archive Book is now in production, and this is your opportunity to be part of a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
This hardcover volume preserves everything published online in 2024 — from April through December — including Turkeyfest coverage, Cuero Gobbler football, school events, community milestones, local achievements, obituaries, features, and the stories that shaped our year.
For local businesses, organizations, teams, and community groups, this book offers something special:
A Spotlight Ad That Becomes Part of Cuero’s Permanent Record
This isn’t a typical advertisement. This is a spotlight feature that highlights your business, your accomplishments, your team, or your organization’s role in the community.
Years from now, when you pull this book off the shelf, you’ll be able to look back and see your business preserved alongside the events and stories that defined Cuero in 2024. It’s a chance to cement your place in our local history.
Why Advertise?
- Your ad becomes part of a printed historical archive
- Perfect for businesses, nonprofits, churches, teams, clubs, and community leaders
- A long‑term keepsake for your family, customers, and supporters
- Helps support independent local journalism in Cuero
- Ensures your accomplishments are documented for future generations
Advertising Options & Reservation Details
We are offering three spotlight‑ad options for the 2024 Archive Book:
- $50 Spotlight
- $100 Spotlight
- $300 Full‑Feature Spotlight
When you reserve your space, please let us know which ad level you want so we can secure your placement in the layout.
These spotlight ads are not traditional sales ads — they are vanity‑style features that highlight your business, organization, team, or accomplishments as part of Cuero’s permanent historical record.
Reserve for 2024 — or Lock In Your Spot for 2025 & 2026
Cuero Online News will also produce 2025 and 2026 Archive Books, each one a complete, year‑in‑review keepsake. Advertising for those editions will officially open later, but you may reserve your ad spot now for any of the three years if you want to secure placement early.
How to Reserve
Text Pat Treviño — 512‑853‑1890 Include:
- Your name or business/organization
- Which year(s) you want to reserve (2024, 2025, 2026)
- Which ad level you prefer ($50, $100, or $300)
Spaces are limited, and once the book goes to print, no additional ads can be added.